Cooperative Extension Service | 4-H & Youth Development

4-H & Youth Development

Greetings!

Lee Hecimovich is the district 4-H & Youth Development Agent; she has been involved in 4-H for over 20 years and served as the Mat-Su District Agent for 11 years as of the 2012 fair!

Her background in natural resources and education, learning and lifeskills development in a wide variety of subjects, as well as a passion for youth keeps her busy with many aspects of the 4-H program in the Mat-Su/Copper River District and throughout Alaska.

March 2012, two Alaska 4-H clubs, The Copper Center ATVE 4-H club and the Nenana 4-H Club, traveled to Oahu, Hawaii. Read about their journey in the latest newsletter and also check out their photos below!

4-H Information

What is 4-H?

It is a practical, learn-by-doing educational program made possible through volunteer leaders who help youth in grades 3-12 gain valuable like skills and experiences. An introductory program is also available to youth K-2.

What is a 4-H Club?

Currently we have 15 registered clubs with approximately 175 members. Members may choose from over 100 different projects (such as Astronomy, GIS/GPS, Robotics, Baking, Sewing/Quilting, Gardening, Large & Small Livestock, Photography and much more!). Our district encompasses areas from Talkeetna to Valdez, so call the main office for more information about clubs in your area.

All about School Enrichment

Resource materials for teachers and optional classroom instruction on special topics. Assistance with after school programming.

Workshops and Special Interest Programs

Available to any youth group on 4-H project areas or special topics such as career awareness and exploration or leadership development.

Other Activities

4-H members and leaders can participate in a variety of district, state, and national activities. These include projects, shows and competitions, Leader forums, conferences, Alaska State 4-H Fair, and volunteer training opportunities.

4-H Testimonials!

Making the Best Better!

Alaska 4-H'ers sharing their talents and success stories

Complete Resources for Volunteers

Visit the national resource site for more info:

ť www.4-h.org/resource-library/4-H-volunteer-resources/

4-H Member and Adult Leader Information

ť 4-H Member and Adult Leader Forms

ť Member Code of Conduct Form

ť Member Emergency Health Care Form

ť Leader Background Check Form

Mat-Su 4-H Guidebook

New to the valley and wanting to know what 4-H here? The Mat-Su 4-H Guidebook is a comprehensive overview and very good resource.

Check it out and see what 4-H has to offer you!

Club Chartering

In 2008, Alaska 4-H began chartering 4-H clubs, as well as, family group authorizations. As a reminder, we’ve listed what is needed for your club to charter with the necesseary forms. Call 745-3360, with any questions and thank you for your participation.

The following items are needed for your 4-H club or family group to qualify for an official 4-H charter:

Leader forms
signed charter application (minimum of five active, eligible participants from two or more families (youth and leaders) or a family application or a youth group enrollment form
have an identified leadership structure utilizing youth as officiers, chairs/co-chairs
have written club operation procedures
Obtain EIN tax number, if the club raises money or has a bank account (SS-4 instructions)
Submit an annual Treasurers report (due Oct 1)
Complete/submit an annual electronic notice, Form 990-N (e-postcard) with IRS (due Feb 15)
Have regularly scheduled meetings and events on file with the CES office
Have a written, planned educational program (in at least one project area) that includes the four 4-H essential elements and provides a variety of learning experiences (club list)

Scholarships

James W Mathews

Warren N Cuddy Memorial Scholarship

Mat-Su/Copper River District Grant Application

Volunteer Leaders Association

Horse Council

Livestock Committee

UA Scholarship Forms

Workshop Interest List

Are you interested in attending a workshop? Let us know what you're thinking by signing up on our interest list. Workshops are generally held in the CES office conference room in the afternoons and evenings but other arrangements can be made upon request!

2012 Teen Counselor packet

Summer camp plans are underway and we need YOU! So mark your calendar for June 11-15, July 20-22 and July 5-8 for three fun camp opportunities. If you are interested please download the fillable pdf forms and turn them into the CES office. Older teens (16+) are preferred as campers will be younger teens.

Call 745-3360 with questions.

2012 Fair Ticket Coupon Form

The 2012 Fair Exhibitor Ticket Coupon Request form is downloadable here.

Please remember that all those receiving discounts are required to help in the 4-H building (set-up, check-in and hospitality).

Those with livestock need to help with herdsmanship. Adults requesting discounts must schedule a work shift, as well.

The submission deadline is July 27; please make checks payable to the Volunteer Leaders Association.

4-H Events and Download Center

Workshops, Contests and Summer Camps

Gardening Adventures, June 5

At the CES office, 809 S Chugach, Palmer from 1-4 p.m., have fun with plants! Crafts, foods, gams and more with a horticulture theme. Please call 745-3551 to sign up!

Go Green Field Camp, June 20-22, UAF Farm

click on brochure to download fillable .pdf

Campers will overnight in tents in a rustic field camp, simulating the research or hunting field camps in Alaska. Campers will need to bring a small tent, sleeping bag or blankets and will experience outdoor cooking while helping with meal and snack preparation, emphasizing the use of local, sustainable foods. Outdoor activities will provide opportunities to learn about the natural sciences. Portable toilets are on-site however there aren't any shower facilities for this three day camp. This camp is open to 4-H members and non-members age 11-14, grades 6-9 and costs $85. After June 15, camp costs $100.

The Go Green camp will be held at the UAF Matanuska Experiment farm (Palmer Sustainable Center for Living) located at 1509 S Georgeson Road, near Palmer.

If interested, please complete the brochure registration form and return to the CES office at 809 S Chugach, Suite 2, Palmer, 99645. Please call 745-3360 with questions.

District 4-H & Ak National Guard camp, July 5-8 at Birchwood Camp

Click on brochure to download registration form

Celebration of Summer Camp at Birchwood Camp

This annual District 4-H and alaska National Guard camp offeres an overnight camping experience at Birchwood Camp in Chugiak, alaska. Teen counselors, trained, caring adults, instructors, a lifeguard and EMT are on-site and campers stay in seven cozy cabins with a central restroom and shower facility and meals plus snacks are provided.

Cost is $160 before June 1, a $30 deposit will hold your reservation. Adults are encouraged to participate with classes, evening activities, general supervision and/or games.

Submit flyer/registration form with payment to the CES office, at 809 S Chugach, Suite 2, Palmer, Alaska or fax: 745-3579 or e-mail: matsu.ces@alaska.edu.

Outdoor Fun, July 19

Enjoy a day filled with shotting sports, outdoor cooking, crafats, environmental education and more. Location TBA, from 1- 4 p.m., Call 745-3551 to register.

Dog Day Afternoon, August 2

Bring your pet, collar, leash and water bowl for an afternoon of canine-friendly activities. Location TBA, from 1-4 p.m., call 745-3551 to preregister.

Harvest of Fun, August 6

Alaska grown harvesting and preparation activities, at the CES office located at 809 S Chugach, Palmer from 1-4 p.m. Call 745-3551 to preregister.

Alaska Wild Berry Use, August 7

Learn how to find, identify and use wild berries at the CES office located at 809 S Chugach, Palmer. From 7-9 p.m., call 745-3551 to preregister.

Exhibit Preparation and Judging, August 14

Learn how to prepare exhibits for the fair. From 3-4:30 p.m. at the CES office located at 809 S Chugach, Palmer. Call 745-3551 to preregister.

Livestock Project

State Livestock Contest, May 30-31

Mark your calendars for the livestock contest to be held May 30-31, 2012 in Palmer! This year's event is similar to last year's (critter extravaganza) so activities will include livestock judging, quiz bowl, livestock related art and photography contest, skill-a-thon, workshops, crafts, prizes and an ice cream social!!!

The following forms are available:

Contest Information Pages

Registration form (fillable .pdf)